Boarding school era

Definition

The boarding school era refers to a period from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century during which Indigenous children in the United States were forcibly removed from their families and placed in government-funded and church-run boarding schools. These institutions aimed to assimilate Native American children into Euro-American culture by eradicating their languages, traditions, and identities, leading to long-lasting impacts on health and social structures within Indigenous communities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The boarding school era resulted in significant trauma for Native American families, as children were often taken away without consent and forbidden to speak their native languages.
2. Many boarding schools implemented harsh disciplinary practices, leading to psychological distress and poor mental health outcomes among students.
3. Health care services provided in these schools were often inadequate, contributing to high rates of illness and mortality among Indigenous children.
4. The legacy of the boarding school era continues to affect contemporary Indigenous health disparities, as intergenerational trauma has lasting impacts on community health.
5. Efforts toward healing and reconciliation have emerged, emphasizing the importance of culturally appropriate health care services for Indigenous populations today.

Review Questions

• How did the boarding school era impact the mental health of Indigenous children and their communities?
  • The boarding school era had a devastating impact on the mental health of Indigenous children, as they were forcibly removed from their families and subjected to an environment that suppressed their cultural identities. Many children experienced trauma from abuse, loss of language, and disconnection from their communities. This trauma not only affected individual children but also had ripple effects within their families and communities, leading to long-term mental health challenges that persist today.
• Discuss the role of government policy in facilitating the boarding school era and its implications for Indigenous health care.
  • Government policies during the boarding school era actively promoted assimilation through the establishment of boarding schools. These policies disregarded Indigenous rights and prioritized Euro-American cultural values over the well-being of Native communities. The lack of adequate health care services in these institutions exacerbated physical and mental health issues among students, creating a legacy of health disparities that continue to affect Indigenous populations, highlighting the need for systemic changes in health care delivery today.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the boarding school era on contemporary Indigenous communities, particularly regarding health outcomes and cultural identity.
  • The boarding school era has left a profound legacy on contemporary Indigenous communities, significantly affecting both health outcomes and cultural identity. The intergenerational trauma resulting from forced assimilation has contributed to various health disparities among Indigenous populations, such as higher rates of mental health issues and chronic diseases. Additionally, efforts to reclaim cultural identity and healing practices are now seen as essential components in addressing these health disparities. The ongoing struggle for recognition and revitalization of Indigenous cultures underscores the importance of culturally competent health care solutions that honor traditional practices and beliefs.

Related terms

assimilation: The process by which individuals or groups of different ethnic heritage are absorbed into the dominant culture of a society, often losing their original cultural identities.

Indian boarding schools: Institutions created specifically for Native American children with the intent to educate them in Western values while suppressing their cultural identities.

cultural genocide:

The systematic destruction of a group's culture, including its language, traditions, and identity, often associated with colonial practices against Indigenous populations.